2024: Year in Review
As we at Sustain-A-Grain bid farewell to 2024 and anticipate the possibilities of 2025, we find ourselves reflecting on what an extraordinary year it has been for Sustain-A-Grain and Kernza. This year has been a turning point, marked by innovative partnerships, community events, and progress that is propelling us forward into the new year with excitement and purpose.
At the start of the year, we came together as a dynamic team, all united by a shared passion for Kernza and its potential to transform food systems. Through weekly virtual calls, we exchanged ideas and began building the Kernza market.
Looking back, 2024 will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the Sustain-A-Grain story—one that set the stage for greater reach, deeper connections, and a brighter future for Kernza.
Here’s what we’ve accomplished this year:
Team and Organizational Development
Built out a dedicated Sustain-A-Grain Markets team with expertise spanning agronomy, product development research, sales and marketing, entrepreneurship, community activation, and creative operations.
Developed plans for the launch of Sustain-A-Grain sister brands in 2025.
Market Expansion and Partnerships
Shipped Kernza to 11 countries, expanding Kernza’s reach to international markets.
Released new Kernza products such as Kernza flakes, stone-milled flour, and refined flour.
Sold Kernza to a national brewer, with a major product launch anticipated in Spring 2025.
Partnered with a craft maltster to explore innovative uses of Kernza in brewing and beyond.
Built a relationship with the Colorado Agriculture Commission.
Strengthened connections with fellow Kernza entities in the market.
Events & Community Engagement
Launched the inaugural Kernza for Kansas Earth Day event, showcasing businesses experimenting with locally grown Kernza in their menus and making it more accessible to community members.
Celebrated the Kernza harvest and the growing supply chain with the inaugural Kernza in Kansas event, bringing our network together to collaborate and envision the future of this grain.
Attended and presented at nearly a dozen international trade shows, events, and conferences, connecting with industry leaders to expand Kernza’s reach.
Research & Innovation
Established a partnership with Merge Impact to measure the environmental impact of growing Kernza on water quality, wildlife habitat, and soil health, providing Life Cycle Analysis to partners.
Expanded partnerships with growers across four states, achieving our highest yields yet.
Applied for grants focused on advancing Kernza product development, marketing strategies, and farmer innovation.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re just getting started.
While scaling a novel crop like Kernza comes with its challenges, we are continually inspired by the growing community of entrepreneurs, farmers, and advocates rallying around this vision. With several grant applications in progress, we’re optimistic about the opportunities they could bring to amplify our efforts and drive meaningful change.
As we position Sustain-A-Grain as a leader in Kernza and regenerative agriculture, we remain deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration of our incredible network of growers, partners, and supporters. Join us in this journey—connect with us to collaborate, share ideas, or explore how you can be part of the Kernza movement.
Keep an eye on us—2025 is going to be a incredible year!
With gratitude,
Sustain-A-Grain Team
